© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
© WWatson
A surprisingly cold week in Val d'Isere ski area
Great piste conditions & a perfect end to the season
It’s been another great week of skiing but it’s been surprisingly cold, and I haven’t felt that cold all winter long! With the cold temperatures we’ve been searching for powder snow as the spring slopes haven’t had enough heat to transform properly and for this time of year that is quite rare.
We have many more options off-piste with typical April weather when there is a choice between powder and spring, and often on the same run by changing exposures, but this cold weather isn’t going to help for the final weekend as many slopes will be somewhere in-between powder and a delightful spring surface.
The cold weather has made for some superb piste skiing and after the soupy slush of the past few weeks the colder snow has been brilliant. It’s been much easier for the piste machines to do a proper job with the grooming and that should continue over the next few days as the season winds down and ends on Sunday.
We’ve had an absolutely marvellous season but after being here for 35-years I’ve never had a bad one. Some are better than others but the resort always opens on time and closes the May weekend and looking back I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every winter. I guess that’s why one turns into thirty-five!
I’ve skied every single day this season, rain or shine, and I must say I’m exhausted. But, the season comes to a natural end and it’s time to head back to England to see my family and get stuck into our summer activities, which include a trip to Canada to see my family, a trip back here to Val d’Isere for some world-class hiking, and as much golf as I can play without upsetting my wife!
After some sun Friday morning and perhaps Saturday morning as well it looks as if we’ll finish the season with falling snow and flat-light. That could be fun if a little light filters through to make navigating not too stressful. Dealing with white-out conditions isn’t the ideal way to spend your last day!
Friday- Sunny -5C/+6C Wind from the S at 5 km/h
Saturday- Partially sunny -3C/+5C Wind from the W at 5 gusting to 45 km/h
Sunday- Snow -6C/0C Wind from the NE at 5 gusting to 45 km/h
I’ve been asked to do the updates again next winter and I hope you’ve enjoyed them. Have a fantastic summer and I look forward to you logging-on again next winter!
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